Theory proposed: ancient ships ran aground on soft underwater volcanic tuff. Listener theory proposes Viking-style ships ran aground on freshly formed volcanic tuff on a seabed or lake floor Slender long ships with single or double keel ribs could plow through soft tuff before it hardened Sudden volcanic uplift of the seabed could have caught boat pilots unaware, grounding multiple vessels
Another creative theory: Viking-style longships with keels plowed through tuff while it sat on a seabed or lake floor. A volcanic uplift event could have stranded multiple vessels unaware. The level water surface explains constant rut depth, and slender keels could turn without widening tracks. Partial issue: some ruts climb over higher prominences. ⚓
Key Facts
- Listener theory proposes Viking-style ships ran aground on freshly formed volcanic tuff on a seabed or lake floor
- Slender long ships with single or double keel ribs could plow through soft tuff before it hardened
- Sudden volcanic uplift of the seabed could have caught boat pilots unaware, grounding multiple vessels
- Theory explains constant rut depth by referencing a level water surface
- Sharp fin-shaped keels could turn without widening the track between them
- Volcanic eruption followed by massive rainfall could have displaced water and reshaped the landscape
- Theory partially contradicted by ruts climbing over higher prominences rather than staying at constant water depth
Related site: Cwm Era Slate Quarry, Dulas Valley;Fronfelin; Fronfelin Slate Quarry — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: "Cart Ruts" in Stone - Mystery STILL Not Solved by Brothers of the Serpent